REAL TEST IS OUT OF DOORS
Now that you have seen all of the animals for sale, ask the owner to lead them out of doors for a more careful examination. In this you will inspect the animal very carefully in order to be certain of the conformation, defects, and blemishes, and to acquaint yourself specifically as to health and disposition.
Cast your eyes over the animal, front, side, and rear. Pass around the animal, keeping some distance away. By so doing you can judge of type and conformation, of proportions and attitudes; for each of these is important. A beefy-looking cow, with a thick neck, square body and small udder will not suit you for milk. Neither will a cow with a long, thin neck, open, angular body, thin thighs, and heavy, deep paunch meet your needs if you are seeking breeding stock for beef production.
If you are examining a horse, keep in mind the purpose for which you are selecting. Remember the long, thin neck, very oblique shoulder, long cannon, long back, and long thin muscles are not adequate for draft. On the other hand, if you want a horse for road purposes, avoid the heavy muscles, the short neck, the heavy croup, and the heavy thighs. These mean draft—an animal for heavy work.